The Best Diary

Buying Guide

Whether you call it a diary, journal or notebook, this is an important tool to have. A diary is essentially what you make of it. It’s a safe place to write down your thoughts, ideas and feelings so you can reflect on them. For many people, a diary acts as a confidant where they can share confidential information without judgment. Others use a diary to record important events or experiences in their lives as a way to remember them in the years to come.

While a diary can be many things to people based on their needs, it is essentially an empty notebook with ruled or blank pages. This empty canvas provides people with the freedom to record whatever they want, however they want. Some diaries have intricate covers while others are just plain cardstock. Some come with a lock and key so you can keep your thoughts private, while others have magnetic closures or no closures at all. It all depends on how you want to use the diary.

There are many reasons to write in a diary. It’s an excellent way to become more familiar with yourself and increase self-awareness. It’s a tool that can help you make sense of complex feelings or situations. When you write down what you’re going through, you can take a step back and analyze the situation to gain more perspective.

Writing in a diary is also a good way to reduce anxiety and manage your stress. The action of writing down situations that make you feel uncomfortable can help you feel a sense of control. It can also help you to improve your memory. When you write down detailed experiences, you can free up space in your working memory.

• The first thing to think of when you’re looking for a diary is how you want to use it. Is this something you will be writing confidential information in that you don’t want to share with anybody, or is it a space for you to express ideas and thoughts around a specific topic? Will you primarily be writing in your diary at home or do you want to take it with you wherever you go? Are you going to express yourself in words or are you more of an artist? Answering these questions will help you understand which kind of diary is right for you.
• The size of the diary will affect its portability. If you’re planning on tucking your diary in your backpack or purse and taking it with you all the time, then opt for a smaller one that fits snugly in your bag. If you’re planning on writing at your desk at home, you can go for a larger or heavier notebook.
• Consider whether you want ruled or plain paper. If you’re jotting down ideas or diagrams, plain paper can provide more flexibility. Ruled paper is excellent if you’re going to be journaling and writing down detailed thoughts.
• Consider how confidential your information is, and whether it requires a lock with a key or code. This way, you can be the only one to access it. You can also opt for a diary with a magnetic closure. If you want easy access at all times, opt for one that doesn’t have a closure.
• A nice feature to have in your diary is a small pen holder. That way you don’t need to rummage around for something to write with if you’ve had an epiphany. A pen holder keeps your pen in place so it’s always ready to use.
• Often, the diary’s cover can provide inspiration or set the mood for the kind of writing you want to do. You can find leather-bound, intricate covers, modern covers and those with fun images and designs.